This trophy represents the winning the of Beechworth V.F.C at the 1877 Double-Hose Competition on the 26th of December against Wangaratta. This competition was an annual event which took place as part of the Christmastide Festivities in Beechworth on Boxing Day. This Trophy was created by the British silver manufacturing company, Hilliard and Thomason in Birmingham, England in 1877.This trophy holds significance for the Burke Museum Collection and the history of Beechworth. Due to its historical associations with the Beechworth Double-Hose Competition in 1877, it holds significance as an important item representing Beechworth's history. It further provides a point of research in this area, and further investigation into Beechworth's history.A silver trophy cup.THE CUP AND FIVE GUINEAS / won by / THE BEECHWORTH V.F.C. / AT WANGARATTA / 26TH Dec. 1877 / DOUBLE HOSE COMPETITION / TIME 59 SECONDSstreet of shops exhibition, silver trophy, double-hose competition, beechworth, wangaratta, 1877 v.f.c

Taken in 1877, this photograph features nine members of the Beechworth Volunteer Fire Brigade holding a cup that was awarded to the group for winning the double hose competition. The cup is currently on display in the Burke Museum's 'Street of Shops' display Report of the event in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 3/4/1877 - The Fire Brigade Competition was held in Beechworth at Easter 1877. The double-hose competition carried a prize of ten pounds with an entry fee of ten shillings. The task was for eight men to run with reel 200 yards. fix hydrant, run out not less than 100ft of hose, fix branch, and throw water over rope 10ft high. Run out a second line of hose, not less than 100ft, fix branch, and throw water as before. Beechwoeth first team competed against Wangaratta and Chiltern, coming first in a time of 70 seconds. Wangaratta were disqualified. Sepia rectangular photograph printed on photographic paper and mounted on boardReverse: Member of B.V.Brigade, 1877. The Trophy Cup showing in the Photo is the small cup on display in the adjacent display case./ BMM 3936burke museum, emergency services, fire brigade, fire, competition, cup, photograph